A COMMITMENT TO FAIR FOOD

Compass Group and the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) signed a landmark agreement on September 25, 2009, that would forever change the food industry and the hearts and minds of Compass associates. Compass Group agreed to pay an additional 1.3 cents per pound for all the tomatoes purchase from Florida annually, with one cent per pound being passed from the supplier directly to the harvesters. As part of the agreement, a ‘Code of Conduct’ was created designed to improve the harsh working conditions and recognize the vital contributions farmworkers make to our food system every day

WHAT IS FAIR FOOD?

In 2011, The Coalition of Immokalee Workers launched the Fair Food Program (FFP), a groundbreaking model for Worker-driven Social Responsibility (WSR) based on a unique partnership among farmworkers, Florida tomato growers, and participating retail buyers, including Compass Group USA, that ensures fairer wages and working conditions for workers.

FFP harnesses the power of consumer demand to give farmworkers a voice in the decisions that affect their lives, and to eliminate the longstanding abuses that have plagued agriculture for generations.

“One of the great human rights success stories of our day.” - The Washington Post

“The best workplace-monitoring program” in the US. – The New York Times

WHAT IS THE CIW?

The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) is a worker-based human rights organization internationally recognized for its achievements in the fields of social responsibility, human trafficking, and gender-based violence at work. Built on a foundation of farmworker community organizing starting in 1993, and reinforced with the creation of a national consumer network since 2000, CIW’s work has steadily grown over more than twenty years to encompass three broad and overlapping spheres including The Fair Food Program, Anti-Slavery Campaign, and The Campaign for Fair Food.

PENNY A POUND

Participating Buyers in the Fair Food Program commit to paying the Fair Food Premium on top of the regular price they pay for tomatoes. This small but powerful premium helps alleviate the economic hardship faced by farmworkers for decades. Since its inception, the Fair Food Program has added nearly 30 million dollars to Participating Growers’ payrolls to guarantee at least minimum wage for all hours worked. The Fair Food Standards Council carefully tracks all Fair Food Premium payments through the supply chain and to its final distribution as a line-item bonus on workers’ paychecks.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Under the Code of Conduct, farmworkers have mandatory access to shade and water, the right to report abuses without retaliation, a clock-in system to guarantee minimum-wage payment for hours worked, the right to form health and safety committees in the fields, and the promise of zero tolerance for forced labor and sexual harassment.

A POWERFUL PARTNERSHIP FOR CHANGE

At Compass, safety, health, and environment come first. We never compromise on the health and safety of the people in our communities. We also have a zero tolerance for harassment and discrimination. We share these values in common with the CIW and FFP. Farm work is the third most dangerous job in the U.S. and women who work in the fields are particularly vulnerable to sexual harassment and assault. Farmworkers deserve safe working conditions and opportunities to advance beyond the field. Our partnership is making positive changes in the industry.

A FRESH ADVOCATE

"I never realized how people were being treated, those who produce our food..."

Suzanne Yip

VP of Culinary Chartwells K12

THE COALITION OF FAIR FOOD CHEFS

Every movement needs a group of supporters ready to take action for the CIW and the Fair Food Program.

"WE ARE NOT A TRACTOR!"

"The work that the coalition is doing to support labor and agriculture is reversing years of bad behavior."

Russell Szekely

VP of Canteen Culinary

" We (CIW) feel very happy to be on the same path of justice and that a lot more can be done. We are looking towards the future and we are looking after future generations. I'm happy we are working together and will continue to do so, and I hope we will expand into many other products. "